(Photo by KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images)

By Shawn De Guzman

Former unified super bantamweight Marlon Tapales is putting in the work for his preparations for his upcoming fight against former International Boxing Federation champion Yukinori Oguni on April 3 in Tokyo.

The 33-year-old pug spent 10 rounds of sparring on Monday against Rodex Piala and Reymart Gaballo as he closes in on reaching his top shape with more than two weeks left before the fight.

Tapales, who is working his way up to the rankings, said he’s feeling good about his conditioning, believing he should be on track to be at his best for the fight night.

Boasting a 41-4 record with 22 knockouts, Tapales is staking his four-fight win streak against Oguni, who is fighting to prove he has plenty of gas left at 37-years-old.

Sanman Boxing CEO JC Mananquil assured that Tapales will be ready to fight with the team arranging strong sparring partners to help him better prepare.

Tapales and his team are expected to fly to Tokyo on March 29 five days before the fight to get himself accustomed. Aside from Manangquil, Trainer Jr Edurot, Ernel Fontanilla, Marvin Catipay, and John Pacquiao will be part of his team.